Liverpool don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves after Sunday’s disappointing defeat to Arsenal. The Reds must put that result behind them and produce a response when they travel to Turkey to face Fenerbahçe in the Champions League.
Andoni Iraola’s side have plenty to prove.
Losing 1-0 at Anfield was frustrating enough, but the biggest concern was Liverpool failing to register a single shot on target despite having 17 attempts. That simply isn’t good enough for a team with the attacking talent Liverpool possess.
Now comes a completely different challenge.
A trip to Istanbul is never straightforward, and Liverpool will need to be mentally prepared for the atmosphere awaiting them at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. The Fenerbahçe supporters will make plenty of noise, and the Reds must be ready to silence them.
Liverpool need to show a reaction
I’m not expecting Liverpool to suddenly solve every problem in one match, but I do want to see a response.
The Arsenal defeat highlighted some of the issues we’ve been discussing for weeks. Liverpool can get into promising positions, move the ball around and put opponents under pressure, but too often the final pass, movement or decision in the penalty area lets them down.
Alexander Isak cannot keep being left isolated.
Our midfield needs to do more to supply the forwards with quality service. We need quicker forward passing, more creativity and players willing to take responsibility rather than constantly playing safe passes.
There is no shortage of attacking quality in this squad. The challenge is getting the best out of it.
Iraola has already shown that Liverpool can be an exciting attacking side in European competition, scoring 12 goals in their opening three Champions League matches. We need to see that confidence and attacking intent again.
A difficult night awaits in Istanbul
Liverpool might have a perfect Champions League record so far, but that counts for very little once the match kicks off.
Fenerbahçe will be desperate to make the most of playing at home, and their supporters will create an intimidating atmosphere.
There is also a familiar face in the opposition dugout.
Former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt is currently in interim charge of Fenerbahçe, adding an interesting subplot to the occasion. He knows exactly what Liverpool mean to their supporters, but there will be no room for sentiment once the game gets underway.
Liverpool must start well, keep their discipline and avoid giving the home crowd something to feed off.
The longer Fenerbahçe believe they can get something from the game, the more difficult the evening could become.
Gravenberch’s absence is another problem
Liverpool will also have to cope without Ryan Gravenberch, who has been left out of the travelling squad because of a heel problem.
That’s a significant absence, particularly with Liverpool already trying to find the right balance in midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Trey Nyoni are among the options available to Iraola, but whoever starts must bring energy, composure and the ability to move the ball forward.
I would like to see Liverpool take more risks in possession. We need players breaking lines, getting into dangerous areas and supporting Isak rather than leaving him to battle against defenders on his own.
This is exactly the sort of game where Liverpool need their midfield to take control.
Three points would be a huge boost
Liverpool have won their opening three Champions League matches, beating Atlético Madrid, LASK and Villarreal.
Another victory would take them to 12 points and put them in a strong position in the league phase.
That makes Wednesday’s game particularly important. It is an opportunity to put the Arsenal disappointment behind us while continuing the impressive start in Europe.
But I don’t want Liverpool simply turning up and hoping their individual quality gets them through.
I want to see intensity, better movement, sharper finishing and a team willing to fight for every ball.
The supporters deserve a response, and the players need to show that Sunday’s defeat hasn’t knocked their confidence.
My message to Liverpool: Go out and make a statement!
I’m not going to pretend everything is suddenly fine because Liverpool have been scoring goals in Europe. The Premier League performances have shown that there is still plenty of work for Iraola to do.
However, this squad has enough quality to put things right.
A difficult away trip to Turkey is exactly the sort of occasion when Liverpool need to show their character. Keep the crowd quiet, take control of the midfield and give Isak and the other forwards the service they need.
Forget the disappointment against Arsenal. It’s time to stand up, respond and remind everyone what Liverpool are capable of.
Three points in Istanbul would be a very welcome way to get things back on track.
Come on, Reds!
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply